MLC pipe combines the advantages of both plastic and metal pipes whereas eliminating the disadvantages of both.

Sahil Jindal, Vice Chairman, Jindal Pe-x Tubes Pvt Ltd
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  Jindal Pe-x Tubes Pvt Ltd, a Jindal Group company, is in the plastic piping industry since 2003 with the launch of multi layer composite pipes and fittings in India, also known as PE-AL-PE pipes or Jindal MLC pipes. Sahil Jindal, Vice Chairman, Jindal Pe-x Tubes Pvt Ltd explains the USPs of MLC pipes.

You are one of the major players in composite pipes industry. What’s your take on the industry – the market size, your market share et al?
Plumbing industry is a vast industry and composite pipes are latest entrant in the industry. The potential of a better product is vast. The market share of composite pipe in total piping industry is quite low. Therefore, we can say the potential market size for composite pipe is huge.

What are the major growth drivers?
The major growth drivers in this composite pipe industry would be: Major marketing initiatives by all the composite pipe manufacturers; and government’s help to promote better quality product in the construction industry.

Are you observing boost in demand? How is the demand in domestic market compared to export market?
There is certainly boost in demand of composite pipe industry. With people looking for quality products and government’s initiative of smart cities and housing for economically weaker section the demand is going to grow further. We are focussing on the domestic market and there is huge potential here compared to export markets.

What is your production capacity and how much you are producing today?
Our annual production capacity for composite pipes is around 60 lacs metres per annum.

How organised is the segment today?
Composite pipe industry is of the few industries which is highly organised. Apart from few local manufacturing units and small time importers the industry is quiet organised in its operations.

Are you cautious about Chinese invasion in the pipes market?
There is already presence of Chinese products in the industry. However due to inferior quality they have not been able to have any significant impact here and in the future also we do not see them as a threat. The domestic players are well equipped to handle the Chinese players.

What are the USPs of your MLC pipes?
Jindal MLC pipe is a 5-layer pipe made up of Polyethylene (PE) and aluminium (AL). What differentiate MLC pipes from rest is that these pipes can be used for a variety of applications.

Jindal Pe-x Tubes is doing regular research and development to promote this pipe not only in housing but also in other industries such as compressed air pipeline, air conditioning, and transfer of LPG and natural gas.

Availability in long lengths (50 to 200 metres) and ability to bend are the major USPs of the MLC pipes as they reduce number of fittings required and potential chances of leakage.

Also composite pipes are the most hygienic pipes available today.

The composite nature of the pipe enables it to have the advantages of metal (aluminium) and plastic (polyethylene) raw materials and at the same time eliminate the disadvantages associated with both.